Page 59 of Cursed Luck
Movement caught Edward’s eyes from between the houses, and a wolf stepped forward enough to be seen from the tree line. Edward’s gaze shot to Mia and watched her throat bob as she swallowed at the sight.
“Peter doesn’t travel alone much, from what I’ve heard,” he told her by way of explanation.
Mia nodded. “I suppose he wouldn’t.”
“They won’t hurt you, baby,”he insisted, hoping he wasn’t lying in the process.
At the door, Edward did not bother knocking and turned the doorknob as it was pulled from his hand. Unsure and feeling entirely protective over Mia, he shoved her behind him.
“Edward! Mia!” Brandy squealed before wrapping her small arms around his waist.
“Hey, Bran,” he said into her hair after kissing the top of her head.
“Mia! Why are you hiding back there?” Brandy asked and tugged her around, giving her the same warm welcome he had received.
“She’s in a good mood,”Mia told him.
Edward laughed, and Brandy stopped to stare from him to Mia. Brandy’s eyes widened, and she bounced on the balls of her feet.
“Where were you going?” he asked by way of answering.
“Nowhere,” Brandy said, leading them inside. “Why?”
“How’d you know we were at the door? Edward hadn’t knocked,” Mia said, tucking herself against his side.
Brandy’s shoulders relaxed. “Oh, that. Peter told me.”
Mia froze under his arm, and they both looked behind Brandy to see Peter watching her closely. Edward knew the werewolf had impeccable hearing, but he did not know how far it extended. By their silent exchange, he guessed it was to his car at the very least.
“Shit, shit, shit… He totally overheard our conversation!”Mia exclaimed.
“Hey, Peter,” Edward said, trying not to wince at her volume. He raised his arm from around Mia and extended his hand.
“Hey,” Peter replied, his eyes on Mia.
“What’s going on?” Ryan asked, walking up to them.
“Nothing. Edward and Mia are he—oh,” Brandy said, finally noticing the tension around them.
Edward shoved the plant into Ryan’s empty hands and pulled Mia back into his side, so she was partially hidden. “That was a private conversation,” he muttered, low enough for Peter’s ears.
Peter nodded and cocked his head to the side. His nostrils flared as he sucked in a deep breath, and the other conversations in the home quieted.
“Mia, have you met Peter before?” Brandy asked.
Mia shook her head. “I haven’t.”
“Honesty is the only way out, baby. He’ll respect you more for it,”Edward told her with a squeeze.
When Mia’s gaze met Edward’s, he smiled, hoping to reassure her. Her lips formed a thin line before she exhaled.
“I’ve never met Peter before, but I’m also new to witches and werewolves spending time together. Until Claudia, I hadn’t really gone out of my way. I do know Peter’s pack is unlike the others, and I think that says a lot about him. Edward mentioned he’s y’all’s best friend?”
Brandy wrapped her arm around Peter’s waist and hugged him. “He is. You’ll see he’s a great guy—werewolf or not. I hope you’ll keep an open mind.”
“Mia?” Claudia asked, hurt shining in her eyes. “I’m glad you could join us in our home.”
“Oh, God,”Mia muttered.
